Paul Graham (Co-Founder & Partner at Y Combinator) How to Raise MoneyBe nice when investors reject you as well. The best investors are not wedded to their initial opinion of you. If they reject you in [seed/Series A] and you end up doing well, they’ll often invest in [the next fundraise]. In fact investors who reject you are some of your warmest leads for future fundraising

Paul Graham (Co-Founder & Partner at Y Combinator) How to Raise MoneyIntroducing an investor to your cofounder(s) should be like introducing a girl/boyfriend to your parents—something you do only when things reach a certain stage of seriousness.

Reid Hoffman (Partner & Co-Founder at Greylock Partners) LinkedIn’s Series B Pitch to Greylock: Pitch Advice for EntrepreneursStay aboveboard so you keep trust with prospective investors. I was forthright with the first venture firm about my intentions, telling them that they received the first look, and that I would talk to a few more firms to put time pressure. And Greylock knew I had gotten a term sheet to accelerate their decision process.

David Cummings (Managing Partner at Shotput Ventures) Entrepreneurs and Calls from VC Associates | David Cummings on StartupsIn the end, most entrepreneurs shouldn’t engage with associates unless they’re going to raise money in the near-term and they’ve pre-qualified the firm to ensure it’s a good fit. If getting ready to raise money, associates can be a good testing ground and opportunity to practice the pitch or make an ask at the end of the call to be introduced to three portfolio companies that might be potential customers.

Jason Calacanis (CEO of Inside.com, Formerly “Entrepreneur in Action” at Sequoia Capital) How To Demo Your Startup | TechCrunchIf you don’t have an answer be honest and say you don’t. The worst thing to do when you don’t have an answer is to b. s. the person. So, feel free to say you don’t know –- folks find it refreshingly humble and honest. There are many ways to say this including: “I’m not really sure, I’m going to have to think about that for a bit and get back to you,” or “I’m not sure to be honest. What do you think?” “I’ve never really considered that. Perhaps y… (read more)

Fred Wilson (Co-Founder and Partner at Union Square Ventures) What Do I Wish Entrepreneurs Would Ask? – AVCEntrepreneurs often feel that they have to be selling when they pitch. And many come in telling a rosy story that is all upside and no challenges. That can come off as naive and can be off putting. It is way better to start with the upside. As I like to say, “take me up the mountain and show me the promised land on the other side.” But after you’ve accomplished that, it is wise to explain where the tough spots will be on the way up the mountain a… (read more)

Fred Wilson (Co-Founder and Partner at Union Square Ventures) Hailo – AVCAnother big factor in our investment process was the “I told you so”. In late 2011 as Hailo was just launching in London, the team came to see us and told us everything they planned to do in 2012. We were impressed by the team, their backgrounds, and their attitude and energy. But we had big concerns about everything they said they were going to do in 2012. A year later, they came back to see us and not only had they done everything they said the… (read more)